There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen. This recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb with a golden crust that’s simply irresistible. Packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, it’s a treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome. In just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a batter ready to transform into a comforting loaf.
With a 50-minute bake time, this banana bread emerges warm and fragrant, perfect for slicing straight from the oven. Each bite offers a delightful balance of soft, buttery texture and rich, caramelized banana flavor. Whether enjoyed as a morning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up, it’s a timeless classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients for Perfect Banana Bread

- 1 ⅔ cups (8oz/225g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (4oz/115g) sugar (adjust to taste or use brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup (2 ½ floz/71ml) flavorless oil (sunflower, vegetable, or canola work well)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (12oz/360g) mashed bananas (about 3 medium bananas, the riper the better!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×5 loaf tin with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth with only a few small lumps remaining.
- Mix the egg, oil, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture using a fork. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until no dry streaks remain.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and springs back when gently pressed with your finger.
- Let the banana bread cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm! Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Delicious Toppings and Serving Ideas
Take your banana bread to the next level with a drizzle of honey or a smear of peanut butter. For a sweet treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect snack or breakfast!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a cozy treat.
Easy Recipe Variations
Customize your banana bread by adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture. For a healthier twist, swap half the flour with whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup. You can also add a handful of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a fruity kick.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
Use overripe bananas you’ve stored in the freezer—just thaw and mash them when ready to bake. Pre-measure your dry ingredients the night before to save time. If you’re short on time, bake the batter in a muffin tin for 20-25 minutes for quick banana bread muffins!
Essential Equipment Guidance
Make sure you have a 9×5 loaf tin and parchment paper for easy removal. A fork works perfectly for mashing bananas, but a potato masher can speed things up. Use a wire rack to cool the loaf evenly and prevent sogginess.

Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup flavorless oil Sunflower, vegetable, canola
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups bananas around 3 medium bananas
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350°F (180°C)
- In a large bowl stir the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon together.
- In a separate bowl mash the banana with a fork until very little lumps left.
- Mix in the egg, oil and vanilla extract into the bananas.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the mashed banana mix using a fork. Do not over mix, just mix it gently.
- Spoon into a lined 9×5 loaf tin.
- Bake for 45- 50 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and springs back when pressed gently with your finger.
- Leave in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out on to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm! Store leftovers at room temperature for 3 days. It also freezes really well.